Simple BYJ Dual Stepper Motor Drive

Brief introduction

Stepper motor drives are common in most robotic projects. There are some robotic projects such as a robotic car that require the use of two stepper motor drives and in this case, prompts the purchase of two of these drives for motors. This system removes the need to purchase the two as it has it all in one system. The BYJ Stepper motor controller has two Interfaces for the connection of motors. This system has two ULN2003 integrated circuits

Components used

Id; "Designator" ;"Package" ;"Quantity" ;"Designation" ;"Supplier and ref";                                                                             

1;"H2  H1      H4      H3";"MountingHole_2.2mm_M2_DIN965_Pad";4;"MountingHole";;;                                          

2;"C    A        A        D        D        C        B        B";"LED_0402_1005Metric";8;"LED";;;

3;"R5  R7      R3      R8      R6      R4      R1      R2";"R_0805_2012Metric";8;"470k";;;

4;"IN1 J4";"PinHeader_1x07_P1.00mm_Vertical";2;"p";;;                                                               

5;"J1";"PinHeader_1x02_P1.00mm_Vertical";1;"power";;;                                                                          

6;"Interface2  Interface1";"PinHeader_1x05_P1.00mm_Vertical";2;"stepper interface";;;                                                            

7; "U1 U2"; "DIP-16_W7.62mm";2; "ULN2003";;;             

Overall, the components used in the PCB design of a ULN2003 stepper motor drive will depend on the specific requirements of the application, but ay includes the ULN2003 chip, a microcontroller, a power supply, diodes, resistors, and connectors.

Circuit diagram and how it works.

A stepper motor is an electric motor that moves in discrete steps, or increments, rather than continuously like a typical electric motor. This makes it ideal for precise control and positionings, such as in CNC machines, 3D printers, and other industrial and manufacturing applications.

A stepper motor drive is a device that controls the motion of a stepper motor. It receives commands from a controller, such as a computer, and uses them to move the motor in specific increments. This allows for precise control over the motor's position and speed.

There are several types of stepper motor drives, including micro-stepping drives, which divide each step of the motor into smaller increments for even greater precision. There are also drives that use different control methods, such as pulse-width modulation or sinusoidal drive, to achieve different performance characteristics.

One of the key advantages of a stepper motor drive is its ability to operate without feedback. Unlike servo motors, which require a feedback sensor to maintain their position, a stepper motor can maintain its position based on the commands it receives from the drive. This makes it a cost-effective solution for applications that require precise positioning without the need for expensive feedback sensors.

Another advantage of a stepper motor drive is its ability to operate at high speeds without losing precision. Because the motor moves in discrete steps, it can accelerate and decelerate quickly without losing its position. This makes it ideal for applications that require rapid movement, such as in high-speed manufacturing processes.

In terms of disadvantages, one of the main limitations of a stepper motor drive is its torque. Stepper motors are not as powerful as other types of electric motors, so they may not be suitable for applications that require high levels of torque. Additionally, stepper motors can produce a buzzing or humming noise when operating at high speeds, which can be an issue in applications that require a quiet operation.

Overall, a stepper motor drive is a versatile and precise control solution for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Its ability to operate without feedback and at high speeds makes it an attractive option for many applications, despite its limitations in terms of torque and noise.

ULN2003

The ULN2003 is a high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor array. It is commonly used as a driver for stepper motors, relays, and other devices that require high-current, high-voltage drive signals.

The ULN2003 consists of seven Darlington transistor pairs, each with a common emitter configuration. The input of each pair is connected to a separate pin on the chip, and the output is connected to a common collector pin. When a voltage is applied to one of the input pins, the corresponding transistor pair is turned on, allowing current to flow from the collector to the emitter.

To drive a stepper motor, the ULN2003 is typically used in conjunction with a microcontroller or other controller that generates the pulse signals required to move the motor. The controller sends a pulse to the input of the ULN2003, which turns on the corresponding transistor pair and allows current to flow through the motor windings. By controlling the sequence and timing of the pulses, the controller can move the motor in specific increments, allowing for precise control over its position and speed.

In summary, the working principle of the ULN2003 stepper motor drive is based on the use of high-voltage, high-current Darlington transistor pairs to control the flow of current through the motor windings, allowing for precise control over the motor's position and speed.

PCB layout

The design of this PCB was done using KiCAD EDA, because of the precision and accuracy required in the system design in preparation for the production process. Below are Gerber’s views of the PCB;

3D render

Below is a 3-dimensional render of the PCB design;

How to get such a PCB manufactured

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